The Children’s Trust (TCT) balanced their budget on the shoulders of underprivileged children, from the poorest communities of Miami-Dade County.

TCT continues to give monies to Universities and other wealthy Institutions? We and other taxpayers voted to create and fund The Children’s Trust. Voter intent was clear. Fund children’s programs and help those who need it the most.

TCT is cutting $122,000.00 from American Children’s Orchestras for Peace (ACOP)

ACOP, the parents and supporters of the program, feel that to not fund a proven program seems unwise, and to fund wealthy universities and other institutions, that have their own endowments some of which are in the millions, is unjust. Unwise and unjust provides grounds for an appeal. This is what ACOP has done with no success.

“TCT have $13 million less than last year to invest in our children and families.” stated  Modesto Abety TCT President/CEO.

The American Children’s Orchestras for Peace proudly hosted the 2009 “Children for Peace” Music Festival at José Martí Park, in Little Havana.

Held in partnership with The Children’s Trust and Cultural Affairs, this extraordinary event signified the peace and friendship between children from different ethnic and religious backgrounds.

The event was hosted by “Los Fonomemecos”, beginning with a symbolic “Children’s for Peace March,” in which children of all ages and ethnic groups joined together as one, waving white handkerchiefs high in the air, symbolizing their commitment to peace.  The parade was followed by a dove release ceremony signifying ACOP’s contribution to peace.

The Children enjoyed an array of activities and free entertainment including, bounce houses, face painting, clowns, popcorn, snow cones, cotton candy and much more.  Admission was free and open to the public.

One of the many high points of the 2009 “Children for Peace” Music Festival was the unveiling of the winner and finalists of the “Children for Peace” Logo Competition.

The competition was a chance for children to create a logo to be displayed on the inaugural banner of the “Children for Peace” March.

All children grades k-12, throughout the community of Miami-Dade, were eligible to participate in the competition.The design was adopted after the big event by other pro-peace organizations to express their commitment to Peace in the World!

The winner, Lucille Sanz, won a brand new desktop computer, and finalists Alejandro Otero and Yulneithiz Brown won bicycles. Participants were also asked to write one or two sentences on “Peace” to explain their work. Ms. Sanz inspiringly wrote, “Children are the future leaders of our world. In their hands we entrust our hopes for peace!” Lucille Sanz words thoroughly represent the mission of American Children’s for Peace.